What is Aerobatics?

IMG_7764What is Aerobatics?

Aerobatics is the practice of flying maneuvers involving aircraft attitudes that are not used in normal flight. Aerobatics are performed in airplanes and gliders for training, recreation, entertainment, and sport. Additionally, some helicopters, such as the “RedBull” Bo 105, are capable of limited aerobatic maneuvers. The term is sometimes referred to as acrobatics, especially when translated.

Aerobatics are generally flown in one of three disciplines, each having their own legal and safety requirements. Many of Lone Star Aerobatic Club’s members balance their summer calendar between weekend fun, competition flying, and airshows around the country. If you are interested in any aspect of aerobatics or just want to come hang out at our next fly in or practice day please feel free to contact us!  We love to share our passion!

Competition

Aerobatics are flown over an airport with judges grading each maneuver from the ground. Pilots are broken into 5 categories; Primary, Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, and Unlimited. Each pilot with fly three different flights, usually a Known, Freestyle, and Unknown. Scores are totaled from the three flights to determine the winner. Competitions are great for those with a competitive spirit, or those simply looking to hangout at an airport, eat, drink, fly, and talk aviation! Competitions also play a key role in building sound flying skills and are often use as a stepping stone into Airshow aerobatics. Check out IAC.org for more information on Competitions.

Airshows

Millions of people each year watch the thrilling low level aerobatics that airshow pilots put on at airshows around the world. This type of aerobatics is generally reserved for highly skilled and experienced aerobatic pilots that have usually completed at least several years of training and are competing at high levels of competition. Unlike Competition, airshows are only open to those that hold a low level flight waver from the FAA. For more information on airshows and becoming an airshow pilot check out www.airshows.aero.

Weekend Acro

This category encompasses all of those pilots who love aviation and aerobatics but do not participate in either competitions or airshows. Even if its just a loop and a roll in an old Stearman biplane aerobatics are a thrillingl experience!  Participating in aerobatics in any level will make you a more precise and confident pilot!